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Dell attempts to beat out competition with new products

In a bid to outplay the competition, Dell has announced new products including a 3D camera and digital workspace.

More Windows and Android devices will move into the world of virtual reality with depth-sensing 3D cameras.

The depth-sensing camera enables users to track depth of images and receive information such as distance between objects.

The Venue 8 7000 tablet, the first tablet from Dell, is equipped with this camera, and tablets and PCs released next year will also have their 2D cameras replaced.

With the Venue 8 7000 the 3D camera can be used for more than taking photos. For instance, it can be used to measure, scan and print. It you’re a real estate broker or interior designer, the camera can provide rough measurements of a room.

It also enables users to figure out shape, size and contours of objects, and with software on the tablet users can change colours, add special effects or reshape multiple layers.

The Venue 8 7000 will be shipped at the end of this year and the price is yet to be announced.

This 3D camera is based on Intel’s RealSense technology, which has been in development for years.

Intel’s version of the camera for laptops and desktops will be able to identify moods and people, as well as recognising gestures, for example tracking lips to gauge if someone is happy or sad.

Partnering with Microsoft, Intel aim to enhance user experience on platforms such as Skype with RealSense cameras.

As well as designing cameras of the future, Dell is trying its hand at creating workspaces that will rival those being rolled out by other companies.

Last week HP announced the Sprout PC, which along with a monitor includes a second touch enabled surface called the Touch Mat, that is being described as a virtual sketchpad.

Now, Dell has announced its own double-touchscreen PC, known as the Dell smart desk.

The smart desk, like the Sprout, has a large LCD monitor paired with a touchscreen display on the desk in front of it.

It aligns closely with the productivity requirements of professional software applications and is powered by plug-ins to key ISV applications.

Users will have ten-plus finger touch functions as well as high performance pen functions and gestures, along with next generation tools - all of which enable users to manipulate digital content.

Due to the fact that the workspace can be synced with the cloud, users can share and collaborate with projects.

It is still unsure whether Dell will commercialise the product or what the target audience is. However, it appears the smart desk could be fitting for artists, animators, graphic designers and filmmakers.